Cooler weather is expected to greet Arkansas hunters this weekend with the start of the state's alternative firearms deer season, opening Saturday, Oct. 17. This season, now in its third year, allows the use of straight-wall cartridge firearms alongside traditional muzzleloaders, expanding options for participants.
According to Ralph Meeker, deer program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), interest in the alternative season has steadily grown. He noted early-season adjustments in deer harvest patterns due to the inclusion of straight-wall firearms and early buck archery seasons.
“Between this season and the early buck archery season, we’ve seen an increase in early harvest, but the overall deer harvest has remained relatively stable,” Meeker said. He suggested that the shifting harvest timeline may be redistributing numbers from the modern gun season. Meeker added, “With the expected cooldown hitting this week, I imagine we’ll continue to see that increased interest in the hunt this weekend.”
Early-season hunting success often hinges on weather patterns. Until now, unseasonably high temperatures have deterred some hunters. However, Meeker emphasized that Arkansas's deer population remains robust. “Last year was a down year, with about 186,000 deer harvested,” he explained. “It’s way too early in the year to make any predictions on the final harvest, but the deer herd is in good shape, numbers-wise.”
Meeker encouraged hunters to contribute to herd balance by prioritizing doe harvests during the alternative season. “Taking a doe early helps maintain a healthy and productive deer population,” Meeker said. He also reminded hunters of the opportunity to donate excess venison to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, a program supporting families in need.
Though drought conditions in some parts of the state raised concerns about food availability for deer, Meeker reported variability in acorn production—a staple food source. While white oaks and post oaks have produced sporadically, red oak acorns from two years ago remain available. Hunters are advised to scout for areas with acorn-bearing trees, particularly near water sources that persisted through the summer.
During the alternative firearms season, hunters can use muzzleloading rifles at least .40 caliber with barrels 18 inches or longer, muzzleloading handguns with minimum barrel lengths of 9 inches, and large-bore air rifles meeting specific criteria. Non-semiautomatic centerfire firearms firing straight-wall metallic cartridges of .30 caliber or larger are also permitted. The AGFC prohibits the use of shotguns during this season.
A complete guide to hunting regulations, season dates, and deer zones is available at [www.agfc.com/guidebooks](http://www.agfc.com/guidebooks). Maps and detailed regulations for Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are accessible at [www.agfc.com/wheretohunt](http://www.agfc.com/wheretohunt).